BNJ Redeacted.docx

BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION FOR SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITIONS

From:

To: Cognizant Code 02 Acquisition Branch Subj: BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION

1. DESCRIPTION OF REQUIRED SUPPLIES/SERVICES, ESTIMATED VALUE, AND DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS

Code 618 is seeking a contract for five (5) MarkForged Mark Two 3D printers manufactured by Markforged, Inc. These machines will be used for first article testing of the systems for mobile additive manufacturing capabilities to be used by the Marine Corps. The acquisition of the five

(5) printers and associated software will support ongoing Marine Corps programs that provide fleet operation readiness and operational availability, specifically in the Tactical Fabrication (TACFAB) program. The total estimated value of this acquisition is approximately $ , of which $ will be funded at the time of award. The acquisition of the base quantities will be completed in FY21.

MANUFACTURER

Markforged 480 Pleasant St Watertown, MA 02472

2. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR BRANCH NAME ON CONTRACTOR’S UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS OR NATURE OF THE ACQUISITION

Continuous fiber composite material additive manufacturing (AM) system that meet portions of the Navy requirements do exist. However, only the Markforged Mark Two with the stated accessories meets all of the Navy requirements. The below table summarizes the key continuous fiber AM system requirements and the current capabilities of multiple AM systems in the market:

The five (5) MarkForged Mark Two 3D printers will enable the engineers at NSWCCD to support first article testing being conducted in conjunction with NSWC Crane and Marine Corps Systems Command.

Additionally, failure to procure the brand name component will result in significant re- work and additional expense to the government to include:

· Re-work of previously completed engineering work, conducted for form/fit/function. Estimated cost of re-work: $

· Re-work of previously completed cybersecurity work, conducted to secure individual systems (to include networking equipment, UPS, and laptop configuration) and to obtain Authorization to Operate (ATO) which is tied to individual make/models of hardware. Estimated cost of re-work: $

· Re-work of network engineering design and requirement verification. Non-similar network hardware will result in additional analysis of network speed, bandwidth, latency, and security needs. This is required both for functional testing verification as well as cybersecurity verification. Estimated cost of re-work: $

· Execution of additional environmental testing. A change in equipment will require additional testing efforts to ensure new components are survivable. This testing requires the program manager to schedule a date months in advance. The current date is set for October 2020. If another component is to be used, the test would have to be scheduled again for after the new equipment arrives. Estimated cost of re-work: $ plus additional hardware items to test.

· Additional costs will be required due to logistical considerations. Multiple hardware baselines will exist, causing tracking and supply considerations for fielded XFAB systems. Estimated cost of logistical differences: $ per year.

· Additional costs will be incurred due to increased cybersecurity and software development efforts. Multiple software baselines will exist, causing nearly double the effort in maintaining software, patching, and also ensuring interoperability and compatibility between software items. Estimated cost of software differences: $ per year (1 FTE).

An award to a vendor for other than the brand name components would result in: a) substantial duplication of costs to the U.S. government, which would not be expected to be recovered through open competition of minimum specifications, and b) unacceptable delays in the completion of mission essential work.

3. MARKET SURVEY

The technical code conducted market by researching market catalogues, conducting internet searches, and contacting market experts. No other company was found to manufacture a similar AM system that can meet the core Navy requirements.

4. ADDITIONAL FACTS

None.

5. CUSTOMER SIGNATURE:

I certify that the statements and information provided above, are complete and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the processing of this brand name justification precludes the use of full and open competition.